Pause Buffer

Performing a pause buffer on Geyser Rock.

A pause buffer occurs when a player presses L2/R2 and Start at the same time. The start menu tries to open, but gets delayed for 2.5 seconds by the heads up display (HUD). During these 2.5 seconds, the player is able to move around freely collecting precursor orbs and scout flies, but is unable to interact with any usable objects due to the game believing it is in a paused state. Jak cannot collect power cells during a pause buffer. At the end of the 2.5 seconds, the game will finally display the start menu and everything returns to normal once the player unpauses. A pause buffer can be ended early by triggering the "Press O to ..." prompt near usable objects or non-playable characters, or by zooming into Jak's goggles. This immediately removes the heads up display and forces the start menu to display.

Applications

Pause buffers are utilized primarily in Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy to perform Blue Sage Cutscene Skip, Red Sage Cutscene Skip, and Citadel Skip. Pause buffers can also be performed in Jak II but have no applicable use.

Technical

Jak unable to collect a Power Cell during a pause buffer.

By pressing L2/R2 and Start at the same time, the game will execute two commands at the same time. It will bring up the heads up display (HUD) and then the pause menu right after. When doing this, the game believes that it is paused while the HUD is displayed. This allows Jak to walk around for 2.5 seconds (the length of time the HUD is displayed) while the game is in a paused state.